If you're anything like me, you're on the constant look out for anything that gives migraine relief. (After all, I'm sure that's why you clicked on my blog link, right?)
I remember my first-ever migraine like it was yesterday. I was six years old, and laying on the couch. My mom was worried, and I couldn't lift my head without tears streaming out of my eyes. Little did we know, that moment was the start of migraines becoming a part of my daily life due to my birthmark causing a rare disease called Sturge-Weber syndrome. Since then I've had countless MRIs to track my birthmarks affects on my brain, been prescribed preventive migraine medication, and medication to help migraines when they hit.
So, after 20-something years of migraines, and 20-something years of searching after products that have helped me...I thought I'd share what I have liked the most. But remember – I'm not a doctor. I'm just a professional migrainer constantly on the search, trying to share my findings.
Also, side note: I may earn a commission if you purchase something from the recommended links. And depending on when you read this entry, the prices may vary.
1. Shiatsu Back Shoulder and Neck Massager with Heat
This is one of my very favorite things I own in my self-care kit. This works out those tense muscles in the neck and shoulders that sometimes cause those migraines and headaches due to daily life issues. You can also use it on your lower back if needed, too! And with the arm straps? You can modify it as needed to put extra pressure on specific spots. For my life style, a major bonus is that this product also comes with a car plug-in for those long rode trips that can tire out the body.
2. Ice Roller
3. Gel Bead Migraine Wrap
This has newly been added to my collection – but I love it! Most ice packs that I buy cover my eyes because I usually love the black-out affect, but I don't always need that affect. Sometimes I still have energy and the light isn't what affects my migraine. This icepacks hits my temples, the front of my head, and has a velcro strap so you can pick how tight you want it to be. Often you can find me fighting my migraine on the couch, still able to watch TV with this on. Or, if it's an even better day – I may even be able to throw a load of laundry in or cook dinner thanks to this guy.
4. Migraine Stick
If you were to look in my purse, you will always find the migraine stick. If I'm out and about and I feel a migraine coming on, I take my medication but I rub some of this on my temples, neck, and head. It does have an essential oil scent to it – which I don't mind, but it's not been my husband's favorite. But for me, this is five stars out of five stars. When I run out – I'm definitely getting more.
5. Head Massager
When I'm experiencing a migraine, I for sure can't use this tool alone. However, if you have someone who doesn't mind loving on you a bit, this will be a good distraction during the pain and sometimes doesn't help. It's not usually my go-to, but I have been known to turn to this a time or two!
6. Airbag Head Scalp Massager
Out of all the things I've ever tried, I think I was the most skeptical about this. However, this won me over fast! This plugs into an outlet near wherever you're sitting or laying, and runs for 10 minutes. It velcro around your head, and fills with air compressions on and off – like an airbag. Just constantly. For 10 minutes at a time. I remember when my husband and I tried this out, and my husband (who doesn't even get migraines) told me, "I want to get another one for my desk at work. This is so relaxing."
7. Eye Mask
8. Headache and Migraine Relief Cap
I like that this ice pack can cover the whole head. Most migraine-focused ice packs I have focus on the front of my head, or the temples, But this ones covers everything. The design even takes into consideration women's hair and the need to get it out of the way with a pony tail, too! I love the pressure of this cap, and of course – that it's cold.
9. Excedrin Migraine
Now that you've read my list, what would you add to it?
The Travelin' Chick,
Crystal